Plums, with their sweet and tangy flavor, are a versatile fruit that can elevate any dessert. From pies to crisps, cakes to tarts, plums add a burst of vibrant color and a delightful taste that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. In this article, we present eight perfect plum dessert recipes that showcase the versatility and deliciousness of this beloved stone fruit. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes are easy to follow and promise to impress your family and friends.
8 Perfect Plum Dessert Recipes
1. Classic Plum Pie
Ingredients:
- 6-8 ripe plums, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 double-crust pie pastry (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced plums, granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice.
Toss the mixture until the plums are well coated.
Roll out half of the pie pastry and line a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish with it.
Pour the plum filling into the pastry-lined dish.
Roll out the remaining pie pastry and place it over the plum filling. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
Use a sharp knife to make a few small slits in the top pastry to allow steam to escape.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling.
Allow the pie to cool before serving. Optionally, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
2. Plum Crisp
Ingredients:
- 6-8 ripe plums, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced plums, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Toss to coat the plums evenly and transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the plum layer in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the plum filling is bubbling, and the topping is golden brown.
Let the plum crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
3. Plum and Almond Cake
Ingredients:
- 6-8 ripe plums, pitted and halved
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Sliced almonds for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Arrange the plum halves on top of the batter, pressing them slightly into the cake.
Sprinkle sliced almonds over the plums.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
4. Plum Galette
Ingredients:
- 6-8 ripe plums, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 refrigerated pie crust or homemade pie dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced plums, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Toss to coat the plums evenly.
Roll out the pie crust or homemade pie dough on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Arrange the plum slices in the center of the dough, leaving a border of about 2 inches (5 cm) around the edges.
Fold the edges of the dough over the plums, creating a rustic, free-form tart.
Brush the edges of the dough with beaten egg and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the plum filling is bubbly.
Allow the plum galette to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
5. Plum and Berry Trifle
Ingredients:
- 6-8 ripe plums, pitted and chopped
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 store-bought angel food cake, cubed
- 2 cups vanilla custard or vanilla pudding
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped plums, mixed berries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the fruit in the sugar and let it macerate for about 15 minutes.
In a trifle dish or a large glass serving bowl, layer the cubed angel food cake at the bottom.
Spoon half of the fruit mixture over the cake layer.
Pour half of the vanilla custard or pudding over the fruit layer.
Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, fruit, and custard.
Top the trifle with whipped cream and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Plum Sorbet
Ingredients:
- 6-8 ripe plums, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine the chopped plums, granulated sugar, and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the plums are soft.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, transfer the plum mixture to a blender or food processor and add the lemon juice.
Blend until smooth.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Transfer the sorbet to an airtight container and freeze for a few hours or until firm.
Serve the plum sorbet in scoops, garnished with fresh plum slices or mint leaves.
7. Plum and Ginger Jam
Ingredients:
- 12 ripe plums, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
Instructions:
In a large saucepan, combine the chopped plums, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated ginger.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the jam thickens and reaches your desired consistency.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the jam cool.
Transfer the plum and ginger jam to sterilized jars and seal them. Store in the refrigerator for up to several months.
8. Plum and Pistachio Baklava
Ingredients:
- 6-8 ripe plums, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup unsalted pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 package of phyllo dough (16 oz), thawed
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped pistachios, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Brush a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with melted butter.
Carefully unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out.
Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish and brush it with melted butter.
Continue layering and brushing each sheet with butter until you’ve used about half of the phyllo sheets.
Sprinkle a generous portion of the pistachio-sugar mixture over the phyllo layers.
Place another sheet of phyllo on top and brush it with butter. Repeat the layering process with the remaining phyllo sheets and pistachio mixture.
Arrange the sliced plums evenly over the top layer of phyllo.
Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.
While the baklava is still hot, drizzle it with any remaining melted butter and let it cool completely before serving.
Conclusion
These eight plum dessert recipes showcase the incredible versatility of plums in the world of desserts. Whether you prefer the classic comfort of a plum pie, the rustic charm of a plum galette, or the refreshing sweetness of plum sorbet, these recipes offer something for every palate and occasion. So, head to your local market, grab some ripe plums, and start creating these delicious desserts that celebrate the vibrant flavors of this beloved stone fruit. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these plum desserts are sure to impress and delight. Enjoy the sweet taste of summer with these delectable plum creations!